Reverse Light ideas

[tbl100]

I'm looking for ideas/suggestions on adding a reverse light. Photos would be helpful and appreciated.

Thank you,
Tim

[i.e.427]

Scroll down to post #5.

https://www.ffcars.com/threads/mini-cooper-backup-light.290568/

[Fixit]

Take a look here (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27544-The-40-Watt-Garage-9365-Annoying-Rattle-Resolved&p=366721&viewfull=1#post366721)

[JohnK]

Hey Tim,

Funny enough - I've been deliberating this exact thing over the last few days. I'm getting ready to mod and install my rear harness, so I needed to figure out where I'd install a backup light. For me, it came down to whether I wanted something temporary that I'd remove after I pass inspection or something permanent. I opted for the permanent route. My preference is to have something that's set into the body somewhere, vs. hanging below the bottom edge of the body. Of all the options I saw, the Mini Cooper brake light looked the best to me, so I ordered one of those last night.

[tbl100]

Hey Tim,

Funny enough - I've been deliberating this exact thing over the last few days. I'm getting ready to mod and install my rear harness, so I needed to figure out where I'd install a backup light. For me, it came down to whether I wanted something temporary that I'd remove after I pass inspection or something permanent. I opted for the permanent route. My preference is to have something that's set into the body somewhere, vs. hanging below the bottom edge of the body. Of all the options I saw, the Mini Cooper brake light looked the best to me, so I ordered one of those last night.

Great. Yes the Mini Cooper one looks real nice. I also checked to see what's listed on Amazon and found a couple. I'll order them (free returns) and see how they look. Some are flush mount and some are recessed which require a bit more body work. I'll have to decide quick because my body is at the body shop now. Thanks for the input.

[skidd]

Here is what I did. They are not super intrusive, nor super bright. They are easy to see at night, but perhaps a little "meh" during the day for other drivers.

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180125_165317_20180125170041757_595.jpg

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180125_165523_595.jpg

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180112_090837_595.jpg

Used these LEDs from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4KRJ9K

Mounted to a piece of flat aluminum hung down off of the quick-jack mounting spots.
They do the trick just fine for what I wanted. Reasonably visible to others, mostly useful at night. If you want something more powerfull/visible during the day for other drivers benefits, these won't cut it.

[boat737]

Mine. Go to post 6, 13, 19, 23, 26. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27197-Backup-lights&highlight=backup+light

[AC Bill]

I wanted something that looked a bit more in keeping with the era of the car, and it's existing taillights. I found a pair of beehive shape lights with clear lenses. Made up some small Z shaped aluminum brackets, to attach them to the car.
Pretty simple really, and they could be installed if your car is already painted.

[JIMOCO]

132599132601
I added back up lights to my license plate frame. I bought a plain chrome license plate frame from Pep Boys and two hi intensity white LED with a chrome base. Ran the connection from the trans and followed the wires through the trunk lid along side the license plate light. Maybe not as bright as some other light assembles but passes PA inspection.

[JohnK]

One consideration that may or may not be important to folks is whether or not the lights are DOT-approved. If you're installing lights just because you want backup lights, then you have a lot more latitude, but if you're installing them to pass inspection then according to the letter of the law you'll need a light with a DOT stamp on the lens (if the inspector is enough of a stickler to look for that). You may get lucky and they won't look for it. Then again, I didn't want to go through the whole hassle of installing lights and fail inspection because they weren't DOT-approved. There are lots of trailer lights that are DOT-approved, as are the Mini Cooper (or any OEM) backup lights.

[tbl100]

One consideration that may or may not be important to folks is whether or not the lights are DOT-approved. If you're installing lights just because you want backup lights, then you have a lot more latitude, but if you're installing them to pass inspection then according to the letter of the law you'll need a light with a DOT stamp on the lens (if the inspector is enough of a stickler to look for that). You may get lucky and they won't look for it. Then again, I didn't want to go through the whole hassle of installing lights and fail inspection because they weren't DOT-approved. There are lots of trailer lights that are DOT-approved, as are the Mini Cooper (or any OEM) backup lights.

Good point. Does anyone know if it's required in CA? Thanks.

[Straversi]

I used a Grote MicroNova 1" Clear LED. It is DOT approved. My brake & light inspector made sure I had the light and that it was mounted permanently but he didn't check to see if it was a DOT light. Assume that changes from inspector to inspector.

I mounted it under the car and is not visible unless the car is in reverse. When it's lit, it is very visible.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97580&d=1542430003

-Steve

[JohnK]

Good point. Does anyone know if it's required in CA? Thanks.

By the book I believe it is, but from what I understand not all inspectors look for it.

[boat737]

Post 26. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27197-Backup-lights&highlight=backup+light

[JohnK]

Post 26. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27197-Backup-lights&highlight=backup+light

From that post:

(a) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, of a type subject to registration and manufactured on and after January 1, 1969, shall be equipped with one or more backup lamps either separately or in combination with another lamp. Any vehicle may be equipped with backup lamps.

I think the part in bold is part of the reason for the confusion, as some folks have argued that the car is a replica of a 1965 vehicle and should therefore be inspected to 1965 standards. No idea if that argument will fly with whichever inspector one happens to get on any given day.

[i.e.427]

Most (and I can't state that clearly enough) CA Brake and Light licensed stations will abide by the 1965 body type just as the BAR does for the emissions. That's not to say some CA builders have not had run ins with inspection stations and been forced to add a reverse light.

[Railroad]

I bought a LED light bar that mounts on the tag. It looks like I will have to mount it on the bottom of the tag, since the tag light is an interference fit.
I ran my wires with my tag light harness. It is bright.

[tbl100]

Most (and I can't state that clearly enough) CA Brake and Light licensed stations will abide by the 1965 body type just as the BAR does for the emissions. That's not to say some CA builders have not had run ins with inspection stations and been forced to add a reverse light.

Good old CA. Over regulated and inconsistent. I guess it won't be an issue because I want to put one on. I'll make sure it's DOT approved as well. Can't hurt. Thanks.

[boat737]

I will add that when I did have the Brake and Light inspection done, the inspector did specifically ask about the reverse light. Don't know if that is the norm, or just him.

[kobra01]

I added lights just like skidd. My inspection they asked if I had high beams, no other questions. Don’t think they even noticed if I had backup lights. They didn’t even check headlight alignment.